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Preparedness Resources for Partners

Resources for Health Departments, Tribes and Health Care Systems


COVID-19 Emergency Rule: Designation of Emergency Health Care Centers

Need for the Rule

The Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division, Health Security, Preparedness and Response section has temporarily amended OAR 333-003-0130 pertaining to designation of emergency health care centers during an impending public health crisis.

These temporary amendments are effective April 15, 2020 through October 11, 2020.

The amendments to OAR 333-003-0130 make the requirements for requesting designation as an emergency health care center clearer and provide more specificity about what needs to be included in an operations plan and a credentialing plan that must be submitted with the request. This clarification and specificity are necessary to ensure that a facility that is designated as an emergency health care center for COVID-19 positive patients can safely house these patients while protecting the health and safety of facility staff and visitors. The amendments also clarify that a designated emergency health care center must report certain information to the Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division, including information about the status of the center and the individuals being served, as specified in the designation order. This clarification for reporting is necessary to ensure that the Division can effectively support and monitor the facility to best prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

For more details, see the documents below:

If you would prefer a hardcopy to be sent, please send an email to publichealth.rules@dhsoha.state.or.us.

See current Disease Reporting rules.


Cyanotoxins in Public Drinking Water Systems

In 2018, the Oregon Health Authority developed rules related to cyanotoxins in drinking water. Below are links to more information and resources from OHA's Drinking Water Services.


Influenza Guidance for Hospitals

Hospitals and medical providers in Oregon are encountering a high number of patients seeking medical care due to flu symptoms and an increase in bed capacity.

  • Hospital Checklist (PDF):Use this checklist as a guide for hospitals and health care facilities to prepare for, and respond to medical surge.
  • Hospital Medical Surge FAQ (PDF): Hospitals are seeking guidance from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) related to surge capacity, variances, and EMS requirements. This document was developed to explain regulatory limitations and to outline potentially useful options as they respond to the current situation.
  • Oregon Facility Transfer Guidance (PDF): Patient admissions and transfers during periods of widespread influenza activity can create unusually high demand for emergency and inpatient services.

Additional resources


Shortage of Saline, Other Medications and Medical Supplies (2017-2018)

Hurricane-related damage to Baxter Healthcare Corporation facilities in Puerto Rico has led to declines in production of small-volume bags of saline and other medications. The resources below may be of assistance to healthcare partners concerned about these supply shortages during this challenging time.

Additional resources


New CMS Preparedness Rules Resources (as of January 2017)

The Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers regulation is 651 pages. The beginning is essentially the responses to suggestions and inquiries that were captured during the public comment period. The middle section details estimated costs associated with implementing the rule within provider sectors. The last 50 pages is dedicated to the breakdown of the individual rule requirements for each provider type. Find your provider type and read the requirements carefully. The core elements are essentially the same but there is distinction regarding conducting testing and some variance in infrastructure mitigation and preparation.

See the following links for more information on:

Documentation review

Initiating preparedness assessments

Emergency planning

Training resources

Researching testing and exercising

Pediatric Surge

Pediatric Annex for a Hospital Emergency Operations Plan 
Regional Pediatric Specialty Care Capacity Report

Surge Planning Toolkit: